You as a Consumer in the World of Higher Education

Jill Behnke Dakota County Technical College	and	Kelly McKown St. Paul College

Especially in uncertain economic times when prices for food, clothing, fuel and tuition are at an all-time high, the cost of a college education may feel out of reach. However, knowledgeable consumers will find a college degree is still an affordable and wise investment. 

Wise consumers “shop around for the best deal” and the same strategy should be used when looking into higher education. Before you enroll in school it is important to do your homework and check out numerous colleges in your area. Does the college offer a wide range of classes that will meet your needs? Which will work best for you? Most colleges now offer online and hybrid courses along with evening and traditional day courses. One of the biggest assignments should be finding out about articulation agreements that Minnesota community and technical colleges have in place. Articulation agreements are written agreements between two or more schools that allow for easier transfer of credits. Often articulation agreements are created between two- and four-year schools to better enable students to complete an associate’s degree at a community or technical college and then apply those degree credits toward a bachelor’s degree program.

As you do your “shopping” you will learn that the cost of tuition is less at community and technical colleges than at state universities. Therefore, for many students, articulation agreements are an important part of long-term planning.

T.E.A.C.H. MINNESOTA has been working with Minnesota higher education programs for a number of years and has been a strong force in articulation. Many community and technical colleges in the state have articulation to bachelor degree programs in both public and private colleges/universities within the state. Every articulation agreement is different and the number of credits that transfer will vary. 

What should you be aware of when considering articulation?

• What are A.A./A.A.S./A.S degrees and which is the best match for you and for articulation? Your community or technical college advisor can discuss these options with you.
• What courses are/are not considered part of the transfer?
• What type of program delivery method (online, traditional) will best meet your needs?
• What type of degree program are you interested in? Examples include psychology and early childhood education. T.E.A.C.H. currently covers these early childhood education and child development degree programs.
• Which four-year colleges have articulation agreements with which two-year schools?
• Is Test-Out or Credit for Prior Learning an option? (Another cost-saving option.)

Remember that “shopping around, trying programs on for size and looking for the best fit” are important in articulation and continuing your education.
 

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